Government shutdown. The words have been thrown around since the beginning of the 2011 Congress term. The problem is that the budget for 2011 is yet to be established and voted into law. Basically Republicans and Tea Party members of Congress want massive cuts ($61 Billion) to recover the economy and generate job growth. The Democrats of Congress want to cut carefully and be aware of the delicately recovering economy at hand. The continuing resolution currently in place expires on March 4, 2011. In case you don’t have a calendar handy, that’s Friday, as in this Friday. If the budget is not voted into a bill or a continuing resolution filed the government will shutdown, just as it did in 1995/1996 when the Clinton/Gingrich battle ensued. To put some perspective on the shutdown, in 1995/1996 the few month shutdown cost nearly $400 Million. Not only that, but it was a risky move for both Gingrich and Clinton. Some analysts even think that the shutdown helped Clinton’s career, and made Gingrich look like a complainer or even a crybaby. Obviously members of the three major political parties have an opinion in regards to the potential shutdown. I’ll bet you are just dying to find out!
Tea Party
Tea Party and 2012 presidential candidate hopeful Tim Pawlenty has plenty of experience with government shutdowns. While Pawlenty was the governor of Minnesota the state government shutdown for ten days. He regrets the shutdown not lasting longer and not making more demands for what he wanted. According to thinkprogress.org Pawlenty feels that shutting down the government is “an option Republicans have to consider.” He has been quoted numerous times stating that this is an opportunity to, “draw a line in the sand.” He feels that this is the opportunity to have a “dramatic week or dramatic month” force politicians to make the “tough decisions” they claim they are going to make, but neglect to do so. Pawlenty was also quoted saying in regards to the Minnesota shutdown, “it really did not have that big of a traumatic negative impact on the state.” Arguably a Federal shutdown would have a traumatic impact upon veterans without services, Social Security recipients that do not receive checks, law enforcement having reduced forces, and the many people out of work until it all is sorted out. Nonetheless, it would, “draw a line in the sand.”
Republicans
Ohio Republican Representative Bohner is confident that a government shutdown is not eminent. He was quoted saying that, “We have a moral responsibility to address the problems we face. That means working together to cut spending and reign in the government-NOT shutting it down.” On Friday the House proposed more “modest” cuts that will allow the Senate time to consider their own cuts during the two week extension the proposal provides. Boehner does not seem to be drawing any lines in any sand, however, he is clear that entitlement reform is going to happen. “To not address entitlement programs, as is the case with the budget the president put forward, would be an economic and moral failure.” Perhaps the reason that Boehner is tepid to a government shutdown resides in his experience as a young lieutenant to Gingrich during the nasty shutdown of 1995. Certainly he does not want to be branded in the same manner that Gingrich was.
Democrats
Senate Majority leader, Harry Reid is also against a government shutdown. He believes, however, that both sides need more time, “to find a responsible path forward that cuts government spending while keeping our communities safe and our economy growing.” He also recognizes that “We need to cut government spending, that’s no longer debatable. The debate isn’t about whether we cut-it’s about how we cut.” He is in favor of a thirty day measure to buy time to negotiate. Within this proposal is $41 Billion in cuts to what Obama initially requested. "For the Republicans to say we're not cutting anything, they're being disingenuous and unfair." Reid criticizes the GOP by saying that “They’re refusing to come to the table at all…They’re saying ‘it’s our way or the highway.’ We cannot afford a shutdown.” Ultimately the president does have veto power which adds an interesting element to this discussion. He has stated that he will veto the House proposal that consists of $61 in cuts. He has also urged lawmakers to resolve this issue quickly, "so we can accelerate, not impede, economic growth."Time Will Tell
Top news of the week will undoubtedly be the looming shutdown, compromises made, and arguments ensued in regards to the 2011 budget. As they say, history does have a way of repeating itself. Will this be a repeat of 1995-1996 or will all parties be able to come together? USA Today/Gallup Poll says that 60% of Americans want them to reach a deal on a budget plan even if it means passing something they don’t totally agree upon. What are your thoughts? Go to http://thevotereffect.com to comment with your opinions about the budget.
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